Motivation and Disability. A Rehabilitation Perspective.

BACKGROUND: In Belgium, approximately 320.000 persons or 7% of the labor force have physical and mental impairments that interfere with their ability to work during more than one year. The so called invalidity is basically an interplay between risk, capacity and tolerance. However, traditional disability evaluation is characterized by a narrow focus on risk and capacity assessment with little emphasis on tolerance or motivation to return to work. PURPOSE: The aim of the present study is to evaluate tolerance as a potential risk factor for long-lasting disability and to explore ways to foster claimant motivation.SETTING: The research will be carried out in the Alliance of Christian Sickness Funds which is the largest sickness fund in Belgium covering approximately 42% of the mandatory insured population.STUDY DESIGN: Analysis of prospectively collected data and intervention-based research project. (Randomized Controlled Trial)PATIENT SAMPLE: Blue and white collar workers on sickness absence following guaranteed monthly salaryOUTCOME MEASURES: Return to substantial gainful activity within 1 year of claim introductionMETHODS: The impact of motivation amid known risk factors such as comorbidities (red flags), work conditions (blue flags) and psychological factors (amber flags) will be determined in uni- and multivariate logistic regression models. Strengthening motivation as rehabilitation oriented approach will be evaluated in a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Keywords:microbial network

Disciplines:Public health care, Public health sciences, Public health services